Organised by leading children’s charity Youth Sport Trust, Wigan Athletic Community Trust and Wigan’s School Games Organisers, the Wigan PE, School Sport and Physical Activity Conference last week brought together PE teachers, school leaders and representatives from key local and national partners such as Complete PE, Enrich Education, London Marathon Foundation and Premier League Foundation.

The conference took place shortly after research released by Youth Sport Trust warned without urgent action, low physical activity levels amongst children will leader to poorer health, lower happiness and reduced life chances by 2035. Additionally, recent findings from Sport England's Active Lives Children & Young People Survey show just over half of all children were still not meeting the expected levels of physical activity during the last academic year.

Conference speakers and attendees discussed the role PE, school sport and more active lifestyles can play in supporting children’s wellbeing and developing key life skills, particularly for those at the greatest risk of missing out.

Building on Youth Sport Trust’s commitment to equip educators and empower young people to take part in PE, school and community sport, attendees shared best practice and resources with an ambition to drive up local participation rates.

After leading a physical activity energiser session, Mr Motivator shared how physical activity has supported his wellbeing, particularly when facing personal struggles, and highlighted the importance of moving every day to support physical and mental health.

Ali Oliver MBE, Youth Sport Trust CEO said:

“We were delighted Lisa joined us to share her passion for the essential role PE and school play in supporting children to be happy and healthy, and access the skills they need for life.

“In a room full of people committed to supporting young people, it was inspiring to hear Mr Motivator encourage us to double down, using the enthusiasm in the room as the catalyst for change. I am excited to see leaders across Wigan build on this momentum and support every child to have an active start in life.”

Through its work with schools and community partners in Wigan, and at similar conferences and programmes delivered across the country, Youth Sport Trust uses these events to translate ambition into action, supporting educators to ensure more children benefit from the life-changing benefits of play and sport.